Conquering an open living room with clean lines and a neutral palette

Betsy Howes-Bean renovated the kitchen in her Arlington home a few years ago, altering the footprint of the living room as well. Now that her children are older, she wants to get rid of the piano and add a TV to create a comfortable place to relax, as well as a space for entertaining family and friends. She is struggling to arrange furniture in a room with no uninterrupted walls.

The Howes-Bean living room has no uninterrupted walls to work with. (Photos by Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)

When the family updated their kitchen, it changed the footprint of the living room as well.

THE SOLUTION

Designer Shawna Underwood uses furniture with clean lines and a neutral palette to create a more sophisticated design for the room, taking advantage of the abundant natural light.

Mari-Jane WilliamsMari-Jane Williams edits parenting and other lifestyle content, and writes the House Calls column for The Washington Post. Previously, she edited community news for The Post’s Local Living and the Prince William and Loudoun Extras. Follow